Vibrating hair straightener with integrated hair care

ABSTRACT

Electric hair straightener (100) comprising a straightening iron (10) formed by two articulated arms (11, 12) provided with heating plates (111, 121), a water reservoir (20) separate from the straightening iron and a hose (30) connecting said reservoir to said iron for conveying the water before it is transformed into steam by a steam generator (151), the arms being capable of moving relative to one another between an open position allowing a lock of hair to be placed between the heating plates and a closed position allowing the previously placed lock of hair to be clamped by said plates, the straightening iron further including an activatable vibrator (16) to vibrate the heating plates, and the water reservoir (20) further comprising a removable cosmetic product refill (21), said straightener thus allowing a hair care product to be applied during the straightening process.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns the field of hair styling and hair treatment devices and utensils, in particular hair straighteners, and more particularly relates to a vibrating straightener with integrated hair care.

The present invention has a direct, but not exclusive, application in the field of steam and flat plate hair straighteners.

PRIOR ART

Changing the look of a person's hair has always been a fashionable, aesthetic practice. Long, straight hair was popular as early as the ancient Egyptian era. Women who were not ‘lucky’ enough to have this type of natural hair used fire-heated iron plates to style their hair. However, the rudimentary equipment available at the time could cause severe burns to the face and hands during handling.

It was not until the end of the 19^(th) century that straightening irons became more professional with the invention of a curling iron by the French hairdresser Marcel Grateau, for which he was granted the U.S. Pat. No. 806,386A. The rounded shape of the jaws of this iron allowed the hair to be made wavy to create curls, even on short hair. In 1909, the first dual-iron version of the hair straightener was patented by Isaac K. Shero (U.S. Pat. No. 943,321A). The dual-iron straightener includes two irons assembled together that can be heated to press down on the hair. The heat from the heated irons can be used to straighten or smooth hair.

However, in the time since the dual-iron straightener was invented, the general function and/or structure of straighteners has not changed significantly. Typically, straighteners are provided with two heating plates placed facing one another on two articulated arms, between which the locks of hair can be placed in order to be straightened or curled. When dry hair comes into contact with the hot iron and adequate pressure is applied at the same time, the look of the hair can be styled for some time until moisture returns it to its original state.

Straightening or curling irons are currently more popular than ever. They have become the focus of consumer interest, both in hair salons and in the retail sector. A wide variety of straighteners exists with different technologies depending on the main function sought (straightening, curling, hair care, heat quality, ergonomics, etc.). Regardless of their type (classic flat plate straightener, straightener and curler, rotating curling iron, steam iron, etc.), straighteners give satisfactory results because they operate at very high temperatures (up to 230° C.), in particular for Brazilian hair straightening.

Unfortunately, statically applying such a high temperature damages the hair and leaves it unpleasant to the touch after use.

To overcome this problem, some straighteners propose having at least one heating plate that is capable of moving, for example that is spring-mounted, in order to reduce hair clamping and compensate for the irregular and sometimes sudden movement of the user's hand during straightening.

Other straightening irons are vibrating and thus avoid the need for continuous pressure when straightening. This is in particular the case for the solutions described in the patent documents CN107467853A and US2015173477A1.

However, these solutions do not relate to the application of hair care products during straightening.

More specifically, it is essential that the hair fibre is cared for during sustained treatments such as straightening by the application of heat. Most manufacturers recommend the use of cosmetic products before, sometimes during, and after straightening.

However, the protocols for applying these treatments remain restrictive and the presence of a plurality of containers containing liquid products can be problematic when travelling by plane.

For example, a conventional protocol consists of carrying out the following steps in order shampoo; apply product to be rinsed out; rinse and detangle; towel dry the hair; apply and massage the appropriate care product into the lengths and tips of the towel-dried hair; detangle; dry; use a comb to take a thin lock of hair a few centimetres wide, comb it and then place it between the heating plates.

Some newer straightener models offer the option of dispensing the hair care product via an applicator integrated into the straightening iron. Such applicators sometimes result in a heavy distribution of the product, such that the product melts and is drawn along the lock of hair by the pressure from the iron, which dries the hair as it straightens. This results in significant product running down the iron, which can cause malfunctions if water or the hair care product penetrates the electrical part of the iron.

For example, the European patent document EP3086687A2 (L'OREAL and SEB) describes a hair straightener comprising a reservoir containing a cosmetic product to be applied, the reservoir being inserted into a recess provided for this purpose in a manner that allows for the removal thereof. This solution makes the iron considerably heavier and makes it uncomfortable and inaccurate to use.

The international patent document WO2020187646A1 (L'OREAL and SEB) describes an applicator that can be mounted on the hair straightener in a manner that allows for the removal thereof. This applicator is intended to be moved between the iron and a remote reservoir, which poses a hygiene problem since the product may leak into the workspace and dirty the straightener itself.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art and proposes a high-tech steam straightener providing hair care for gentle straightening of the hair, sublimating it without damaging it.

For this purpose, the present invention relates to an electric hair straightener for temporarily styling the look of a head of hair by applying heat and comprising a straightening iron formed by two articulated arms provided with opposing heating plates, a water reservoir separate from the straightening iron and a hose connecting said reservoir to said iron for conveying the water before it is transformed into steam by a steam generator, the arms being capable of moving relative to one another between an open position allowing a lock of hair to be placed between the heating plates and a closed position allowing the previously placed lock of hair to be clamped by said plates. This hair straightener is noteworthy in that the straightening iron includes an activatable vibrator to vibrate the heating plates, and in that the water reservoir comprises a removable cosmetic product refill. The removable refill can also be filled with water.

Thus, the straightener according to the invention straightens very gently, which straightening is improved both by the vibrations which minimise hair breakage and by the automatic application of a hair care product during straightening. The results obtained correspond to a high standard of hairstyling and allow the user to avoid the tediousness of spending a long time at the hair salon and the associated costs.

According to one advantageous embodiment, the vibrator is an electric vibration motor fastened inside an arm of the straightening iron, preferably the upper arm for its lightness compared to that of the lower arm, the latter comprising the steam generator, so as to produce sufficient vibrations at the heating plates while consuming less power.

The vibrations generated result, for example, in an oscillatory movement of each plate in the two directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said plate. As a result, a circular movement of the plates can be obtained, similar to massaging movements.

Advantageously, the vibrator is placed in a cage that is integral with the arm in order to eliminate the undesirable effects resulting from the inertia of said vibrator and to reduce the noise therefrom.

According to one embodiment, the straightener comprises at least one button for adjusting the frequency of the vibrations generated by the vibrator between different frequency levels. This button is preferably placed on the straightening iron.

According to one aspect of the invention, the hair straightener comprises a digital display screen on which information about the status of the vibrator can be displayed, among other information.

According to one advantageous embodiment, the cosmetic product refill can be fastened to the water reservoir by interlocking, for example via a longitudinal sliding motion. More particularly, the refill can be inserted into the reservoir from a top face thereof and into a recess made for this purpose.

Advantageously, the refill includes a grasping means facilitating the fastening thereof inside the reservoir and above all its removal therefrom.

According to one embodiment, the refill is a disposable cartridge.

According to one embodiment, the water reservoir comprises a pump, the inlet and the outlet whereof are connected to a dispensing nozzle communicating with the interior of the refill and to the steam hose respectively.

Advantageously, the refill contains a keratin-based and/or hyaluronic acid-based cosmetic product such as hair botox.

The basic concepts of the invention have been set out hereinabove in their most basic form, and other details and features will more clearly emerge on reading the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which give, by way of a non-limiting example, one embodiment of a hair straightener in accordance with the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The figures are given for illustrative purposes only for a better understanding of the invention and do not limit the scope thereof. The different elements can be represented diagrammatically and are not necessarily to the same scale. Identical or equivalent elements bear the same reference numerals in all figures.

The drawings thus illustrate, in:

FIG. 1 : a perspective view of a straightener with the straightening iron thereof and the water reservoir thereof according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 : a perspective view of the straightener with the steam hose and electric power cord;

FIG. 3 a : a perspective view of the straightening iron in an open position (default position);

FIG. 3 b : a perspective view of the straightening iron in a closed position;

FIG. 4 : an exploded view of the straightening iron showing the vibrator;

FIG. 5 : a transparent view of the straightening iron showing the location of the vibrator in the upper arm;

FIG. 6 : an overhead view of the straightening iron without the outer half shell of the upper arm with a close-up view of the arrangement of the vibrator;

FIG. 7 a : a front perspective view of the water reservoir;

FIG. 7 b : a rear perspective view of the water reservoir showing the cosmetic product refill;

FIG. 8 : a perspective view of the cosmetic product refill by itself;

FIG. 9 : a partial perspective view of the reservoir showing the pump;

FIG. 10 : another partial perspective view of the reservoir;

FIG. 11 : a perspective view of the reservoir without the base thereof, focused on the dispensing nozzle connected to the refill;

FIG. 12 : a perspective view of the reservoir without the refill;

FIG. 13 : a perspective view of the refill focused on the bottom face thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

It should be noted that certain technical elements well known to a person skilled in the art are described herein to avoid any insufficiency or ambiguity in the understanding of the present invention.

In the embodiment described hereinbelow, reference is made to a conventional steam straightener (equipped with flat heating plates), intended primarily for straightening hair and treating it by applying cosmetic care products. This non-limiting example is given for a better understanding of the invention and does not exclude the use of the principles of the invention in other hair styling and hair treatment devices such as curling irons, commonly called “curling wands”, and generally provided with cylindrical or conical tips to give hair a wavy look.

In the remainder of the description, the term “straightening iron” shall refer to a manual hair straightening device primarily comprising two heating plates between which the locks of hair are placed in order to be straightened, and the term “straightener” shall refer laconically in the context of the invention to a steam-type straightening iron and the water reservoir thereof.

FIG. 1 shows the main elements of a straightener 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, i.e. a straightening iron 10 and a water reservoir 20.

The connection elements, comprising a steam hose and optionally an electric power cord, are not shown in this figure.

More specifically, the straightening iron 10 is connected to the water reservoir 20 by means of a so-called steam hose which allows water to be conveyed from the reservoir to the iron. The electric power supply to the straightener 100 can be provided by a connection to the mains via an electric cable or autonomously using a battery preferably placed in the base of the reservoir 20.

FIG. 2 shows a steam hose 30 connecting the straightening iron 10 to the water reservoir 20 and represents one example embodiment wherein said reservoir is provided with an electric power cable 40 for connection to the mains.

The straightener 100 has been optimised for improved user experience, in particular with regard to the result of the straightening process, handling and ergonomics. More specifically, the straightening iron 10 is vibrating and does not incorporate the water reservoir nor the cosmetic product refill. As a result, the water reservoir 20 is separate from the iron and can accommodate refills (or cartridges) filled with cosmetic products such as hair care products. Thus, the straightening iron 10 is lighter so as not to cause discomfort during use, especially when use is prolonged over time, and the water reservoir 20 is heavier to improve the stability thereof compared to certain reservoirs of existing models of straighteners known to be unstable.

The straightening iron 10 is formed by two articulated arms, an upper arm 11 and a lower arm 12, mounted via a pivot link about an axis 13 substantially perpendicular to an axis along which each arm extends. The arms 11 and 12 are articulated at the distal ends thereof, located in the vicinity of the inlet of the steam hose 30. Opposite this, at the proximal ends thereof, the arms 11 and 12 are equipped with two heating plates 111 and 121 respectively, arranged facing one another so as to be able to clamp the locks of hair during straightening in accordance with normal handling of the straightening iron 10.

More specifically, the straightening iron 10 has two positions of use, an open position allowing the lock of hair to be inserted between the heating plates 111 and 121, and a closed position allowing said plates to be applied against the lock of hair. Similarly to a pair of pliers, the straightening iron 10 is by default in an open position and can be brought into a resiliently-stressed closed position by pressing on the arms 11 and 12. The release of this pressure brings the iron back into the open position under the action of a torsion spring.

FIG. 3 a shows the straightening iron 10 in the open position, wherein the two arms 11 and 12 are angularly spaced apart from one another about the axis of the pivot 13. The maximum angular separation allowed corresponds to the default position of the straightening iron 10 and must be sufficient to allow a lock of hair measuring a few centimetres to be inserted between the plates 111 and 121, while allowing the iron 10 to be safely gripped manually by the narrow portions of the arms 11 and 12 located upstream of said plates.

FIG. 3 b shows the straightening iron 10 in a closed position, wherein the heating plates 111 and 121 are pressed together, such that when a lock of hair is gripped between said plates, they exert sufficient pressure which, together with the transmitted heat, temporarily styles the shape of the lock for an overall straightened effect. The hair treatment, in particular with the vibrations of the straightening iron 10, will be described hereinbelow.

The hair straightener 10 further includes electronic control and power control means, a digital display screen, control buttons, a steam generator and a vibrator.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the straightening iron 10 according to one example embodiment and enables the essential components thereof described hereinbelow to be viewed.

According to this example, the shell of the upper arm 11 consists of two half-shells assembled together, an outer half-shell 11 a and a lower half-shell 11 b. Similarly, the shell of the lower arm 12 consists of two half-shells assembled together, an outer half-shell 12 a and an inner half-shell 12 b. In each arm, the half-shells are assembled by suitable fastening means such as screws or by dipping in a manner which allows for the removal thereof. The half-shells of each arm can also be permanently assembled together or manufactured in one piece by moulding, additive manufacturing or any other suitable method.

Each half-shell of the straightening iron 10 is shaped so as to receive specific elements in a compact configuration. For example, openings are made in the inner half-shells 11 b and 12 b in order to receive the upper heating plate 111 and lower heating plate 121.

The straightening iron 10 further includes heating elements 112 and 122 which are in contact with the plates 111 and 121.

The heating elements 112 and 122 can be of the PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) type or MCH (Metal Ceramic Heater) type depending on the nature of the plates 111 and 121.

The plates 111 and 121 can be made of ceramic, tourmaline or titanium. Each of the aforementioned materials has its own characteristics that procure a specific result on the hair. Ceramic plates, for example, ensure that heat is distributed homogeneously and thus facilitate straightening.

Regardless of the technology used to produce the plates and the heating elements thereof, the straightening iron 10 proposes adjusting the temperature of the plates to best suit each hair type.

The straightening iron 10 further includes a steam generator 151 connected to the water reservoir 20 for generating steam by heating water from said reservoir and discharging it through ports provided for this purpose. The steam generator 151 is arranged in the lower arm 12 such that the ports thereof open out into the steam outlets 125 of said lower arm. A heat-insulating membrane 152, preferably made of a polymer material, is inserted between the ports of the steam generator 151 and the shell of the lower arm 12 to protect the latter from the hot surfaces of the steam generator. Similarly, other insulating parts are shaped and placed appropriately to insulate the hot parts of the straightening iron.

The steam generator 151 can be heated by its own means or by the heating element 122 with which it can be in contact.

The combined effect of the heat from the plates and of the steam flow improves the straightening result by keeping the fibre moisturised and by helping the heat to penetrate deep into the lock of hair to avoid overheating the surface fibres.

To further improve straightening, the straightening iron 10 is vibrating and for this purpose includes a vibrator 16 which produces small oscillations at the plates 111 and 121 to limit hair breakage during straightening.

The vibrator 16 is, for example, an electric vibrating motor integral with the shell of the straightening iron 10.

FIG. 5 shows the straightening iron 10 with the outer half-shell of the upper arm 11 shown to be transparent to reveal the vibrator 16, which is placed in a suitable cage 116.

According to the example shown, the cage 116 consists of two complementary parts, each of which is made in the structure of a half-shell of the upper arm 11.

FIG. 6 shows the straightening iron 10 without the outer half-shell of the upper arm 11, in which the vibrator 16 can be seen placed in a first half of the cage 116, said half being made in the structure of the inner half-shell.

It goes without saying that the cage of the vibrator can be independent of the structure of the shell of the arm and added in situ by fastening and/or damping means adapted to modify the mode of propagation of the vibrations generated in the structure of the straightening iron and thus optimise the effect thereof on straightening. The cage of the vibrator can also be made of an acoustically-insulating material in order to minimise the noise of the vibrator during operation.

The frequency and/or amplitude of the vibrations generated by the vibrator 16 can be adjusted by means of a specific variator incorporated into the electronic control means of the straightening iron 10. The corresponding setting can be configured via one or more dedicated buttons 143.

For example, for ease of use, a single button 143 can be provided to adjust the intensity of the vibrations, allowing one of several vibration levels to be chosen (for example low, medium and high).

The electronic means for controlling the straightening iron 10 comprise at least one printed circuit board 141 provided with the ancillaries required for the operation of all of the electrical components of said iron. Moreover, a digital display screen 142 is provided to display temperature information, vibration information, error messages and other information.

The straightening iron 10 as described thus allows steam straightening to be thermally controlled by adjusting the temperature of the heating plates and mechanically controlled by adjusting the vibrations of said plates, to provide the hair with a fine movement and treatment almost imitating a delicate massage. In addition to this, the straightener 100 provides real hair care by applying a cosmetic product to the hair while straightening, thanks to the water reservoir 20 and the care product refill 21 thereof.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show the water reservoir 20 and the care product refill 21 thereof. According to this example embodiment, the water reservoir 20 comprises a shell 22 that has an overall cylindrical shape with a substantially elliptical base, in which a recess is provided to receive the refill 21 by sliding longitudinally from a top face 221 of said shell.

It goes without saying that the refill 21 can be mounted on the reservoir 20 in another way, by lateral sliding or by clamping, etc.

FIG. 8 shows the care product refill 21 by itself, which includes a grasping means 211 at the upper part thereof intended to facilitate the fastening thereof to and the removal thereof from the reservoir 20. The refill 21 has a shape and dimensions that are adapted to perfectly interlock inside the recess of the refill 20 provided for this purpose.

The care product refill 21 can contain any type of hair care product, including protein-based products such as keratin as well as products containing other chemical compounds such as hyaluronic acid. For example, the care product can be hair botox. The care product contained in the refill 21 is preferably in liquid or cream form and is capable of being evaporated, or at least of being vaporised, if the boiling temperature thereof is above the boiling point of water. Also preferably, the care product is liquid and of the steam-activated type, in other words it contains active agents whose effect is enhanced by steam.

The care product refill 21 can be disposable or refillable. In any case, the refill 21 is made of a recyclable material such as a plastic suitable for cosmetic and/or food products.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show part of the water reservoir in order to view the internal components thereof.

The cosmetic product contained in the refill 21 is drawn out, as is the water, by means of a pump 24, for example a peristaltic pump, comprising an inlet 241, directly connected to a dispensing nozzle of the refill 21, and an outlet 242 directly connected to the steam generator of the straightening iron 10 by the steam hose 30. The connection between the pump 24 and the refill 21 can be provided by a small-diameter flexible pipe placed at the base 223 of the reservoir 20.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the dispensing nozzle 261 which extends into a connector 262, said connector being inserted in a sealed manner into the refill 21 to allow the liquid (water, cosmetic product or a mixture thereof) contained in said refill to pass.

A channel 222 is provided on the shell 22 of the reservoir 20 for the steam hose 30 and optionally for the power cord 40.

The reservoir 20 further comprises electronic control means 25 in the form of a printed circuit board and an on/off button 23 which can even centralise this function for the straightening iron.

FIG. 13 shows the bottom face of the refill 21, on which a shoulder 212 can be seen forming a stop when said refill is being inserted into the reservoir, and an opening 213 that closes with a plug and allows the refill to be filled/emptied.

It is clear from the present description that a straightener according to the invention is capable of being made in different ways depending on the ultimate purpose thereof and on the type of treatment desired for the hair. Thus, the same principles of the invention can be applied to a curling iron. Moreover, some elements of the straightener can be slightly modified or replaced while still remaining within the scope of the invention. 

1. Electric hair straightener (100) comprising a straightening iron (10) formed by two articulated arms (11, 12) provided with heating plates (111, 121), a water reservoir (20) separate from the straightening iron and a hose (30) connecting said reservoir to said iron for conveying the water before it is transformed into steam by a steam generator (151), the arms being capable of moving relative to one another between an open position allowing a lock of hair to be placed between the heating plates and a closed position allowing the previously placed lock of hair to be clamped by said plates, said straightener being characterised in that the straightening iron includes an activatable vibrator (16) to vibrate the heating plates, and in that the water reservoir (20) comprises a removable cosmetic product refill (21).
 2. Straightener according to claim 1, wherein the vibrator (16) is an electric vibration motor fastened inside an arm (11, 12) of the straightening iron (10).
 3. Straightener according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vibrator (16) is placed in a cage (116) that is integral with an arm (11, 12) of the straightening iron (10).
 4. Straightener according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one button (143) for adjusting the frequency of the vibrations generated by the vibrator (16) between different frequency levels.
 5. Straightener according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a digital display screen (142) on which information about the status of the vibrator (16) can be displayed.
 6. Straightener according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the refill (21) is fastened to the water reservoir (20) by interlocking.
 7. Straightener according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the refill (21) includes a grasping means (211) facilitating the removal thereof from the water reservoir (20).
 8. Straightener according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the water reservoir comprises a pump (24), the inlet and the outlet whereof are connected to a dispensing nozzle (261) communicating with the interior of the refill (21) and to the hose (30) respectively.
 9. Straightener according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the refill (21) is a disposable cartridge.
 10. Straightener according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the refill (21) contains a keratin-based and/or hyaluronic acid-based cosmetic product. 